[ClassicalViola]

  Great show (first one for me).
 
My impressions (please treat them as such, just telling what my ears told me)
 
 
Lime Ears - Aether - WOW! amazing full bodied sound with exceptional treble. The bass switch actually works, not a gimmick. As good as my Angie CIEM imo
Custom Art - Harmony 8.2 - Again, amazing full sound. Very clear and detailed and great instrument separation. Poland bringing the heat!
Mr Speakers - Ether Flow - Best over ear open headphone at the show. Better than the Stax 009, HE100 etc... Reaches low and high with authority and accuracy.
Fiio - M3 - Best small format DAP at the show and better than the AK players I heard inc. AK380, however that could be setup/song file/something else? Used them with my Angie CIEM.
1more - Triple driver (forgot proper name) - Very nice sound for the price, certainly worth a buy if you're in that market
Atomic Floyd - SuperDarts - WOW, amazing bass and clear/clean highs with nice mids. For such a small size they are incredible. Would certainly buy them over anything other than TOTL IEM's
Noble - K10UA and Katana - Love the K10, great extension at both ends with deep controlled bass. The Katana seems like the K10 with less bass. Both great but I'd go for the K10
JH Audio - Layla, Rosie, Roxanne - Layla is like my Angie but everything turned up to 11, love the fuller bass. Not sure their worth double the price though. Rosie was great, slightly V shaped but very good bass extension. Roxanne, not sure about these, didn't seem to add anything over my Angies - didn't hear any great difference in bass. The FMJ version sorted out the peaky treble. Would have my Angies over everything but the Layla, however way outside my price range.
Flare Audio - new IEM - Tiny, tiny size and huge sound! Hoping for good things once released. If not looking for TOTL IEM's, the Flare is second only to the SuperDarts.
Rupert Neve - Headphone Amp - As you would expect, fantastically clear sound that reminded me of my Mojo. Would happily have this on my desk
Echobox - Explorer DAP - Really great new DAP. Everything right - size, shape, headphone sockets at the TOP of the player (looking at you Cowon!). Fast, responsive UI and perfect size screen. Would like to test longer and get some custom EQ on it.
Meze Headphones - 99classics - Fantastic, second best closed headphone I heard after the Ether C. Easy to drive from my Plenue D too.
Sennheiser - IE800 - Very nice balanced sound from another small IEM. Does sound a bit thin though and no replaceable cable at that price!?!
Stax - SR009 - Maybe I need to get used to electrostats but was not impressed after hearing so much good about them (I listened to the Hawaii amp/SR009 combo). Mostly mid/top end with little bass. Yes the mid/high is excellent, but I need the full range. OK the music was mid/high biased so I guess it would shine with more full bodied music. 
Sennheiser -  HD800s - Very nice, clean and clear with good soundstage, however I do find most Senny's bass light, and the HD800 is no exception - need to do more listening with other sources. I am not a basshead btw
Focal - Elear  - Nice rich sound, prefer it to the HD800 (listened from same source). Clamping force is a bit strong though so the HD800 wins on comfort.
HiFiman - HE1000 - Hmmm, don't like the sound, not sure if it's the listening conditions but just sounded peaky and could not get it to fit my small head - not enough adjustment
Audeze - LDC4 - Sound's OK, nothing special and certainly inferior to the SR009 but so heavy! Don't think I could wear it for long periods.
 
Didn't get to hear the HE1 or MSB or Smyth I should have brought my own Comply tips as testing IEM's was difficult with the tips available - getting a good fit is essential. Also the open back headphones really need a nice quiet room.
 
Overall excellent show, great venue too. I will be back next year.
Shout out to Jude, he was super cool and super happy to discuss your audition - He must have been too busy to care about my thoughts on the Elear lol.

Thanks for sharing your impressions! Just curious, what was your source for trying all those different IEMs/headphones?

 

[Ra97oR]

 
I guess I finally got lucky.
 
This feels exactly like lab equipment, just missing "Calibrate Before Use" stickers on it.
 
The sound out of it is very promising from a short listen!

 

[mainaman]

A great show(first one for me and first time listening to top high-end headphones).I couldnt listen to the Sen HE-1,the MSB/Stax,the Focal Utopia and the DT1990 Pro,but i had a great time with the HD800S,the LCD-4,the HE1000,the Sonora and the Katana,among others.A noisy expo enviroment is not the ideal place for evaluating open backed headphones,but this is not news.The exhibitors were all very friendly,accomodating and helpful.

The HD800S is a clear upgrade from the HD800,smoother and with better separation(the brighter HD800 was almost congested in comparison)and soundstage.Probably the most comfortable big headphones on the market,at least in my relatively limited experience.Slightly overdamped and thin bass.

The LCD3 sounded slightly darker and warmer than the HD800 and more resolving as well.It would be very hard to choose between the it and the HD800S!

The choice between the very heavy LCD-4 and the HE1000 would be even harder,i wish i was in such a situation!

I was slightly disappointed with the music on offer at some stands and i didnt really heard combos like the Dave and the LCD4 at their best,not even close.Listening to Tidal just doesnt cut it when you try to show off such capable devices and demoing the Nobles via small smartphones was slightly puzzling as well(kudos to those bringing their own music on Daps).

The build quality of some not inexpensive gear like the Brooklyn and the Hugo TT did not impress me and noisy surroundings or not,but practically all of the DACs had to be at max volume or close if they were not connected to an amp,even the outstanding Dave.

All in all,it was very enjoyable experience,but it didnt involve me as much as a pair of high-quality loudspeakers and a turntable.That said i am still thinking how would the HD800S sound at home in the place of the HD595,which i use sometimes.

 

[Skint]

@ClassicalViola
 
No worries Used my Cowon Plenue D. I auditioned with and without EQ with various FLAC songs - quite a mix of styles. For electrostats and most over ear headphones I used whatever DAC/Amp they had on the table. The Plenue struggles to power a lot of the bigger headphones - to be expected. 

 

[zappazappazappa]

I returned to the show today, despite originally planning to visit for just one day. Various people's posts and time to sleep on the idea gave me the impetus to return.

Thanks to today's postings by episiarch and Jerseyboy I listened to the Warwick/Sonoma electrostatic system and was impressed. I'd just listened to the Stax 009 off the BHSE and did not feel like I'd suffered in the move across the aisle. I dare say show conditions affect me pretty bad, so I can't say much that's meaningful as there's too much distraction. But both electrostatic systems had a rich, even and communicative sound that I could have happily listened to for much longer than the half hour each that they got from me.

Moon Audio's stand was like a mini-show all on its own, there's so much happening there! I tried comparing Moon Audio's copper replacement cable for the stock Sennheiser HD 800 S cable, but show conditions and/or my perceptions just came to nothing.

I spent a lot of time with Smyth Research, starting with a booking for a dem slot of the Realiser A16 that I only made this morning. Boy am I glad I found out about this technology. I've been dreaming of this kind of thing for well over 30 years and it turns out to be far better than I could have dared to hope for. It doesn't simply sound like the real thing. It is the real thing: the sounds entering my ear canal from the headphones are the same as those produced by the speakers.

This includes the colourations of the speakers, which were painfully clear (with room sound on top). I'd prefer an idealised sound presentation of acoustic spaces over a presentation of speakers playing a recording. But the technology to do that doesn't seem to exist. It's a shame, because frankly, one of the reasons I listen to music and video exclusively on headphones now is to escape from the sound of speakers playing in rooms, which is usually crap (and in my previous life I lived with a high end system for years, though I admit that was fab, not crap).

For me this is the most important development in audio technology since stereo. And it's been around for a while and I've only just discovered it. I spent prolly a couple of hours having a very stimulating chat with Stephen Smyth. I can't really sum it up meaningfully: think of it as master and student sharing a common joy in audio and technology

I enjoyed the panel "The Dynamics Strike Back". It really does seem like we're alive in the best of times for headphones...

At the end of the day I plugged my HD 800 S into DAVE and enjoyed it more than yesterday. Horses is still a crazy live recording. Can someone please point me at the actual recording that you can buy, because I can't find it

I was too busy listening to stuff to enter any competitions, so you prize winners can thank me now for not competing with you

Oh, and I just want to make a small note about listening levels. I enjoy "rocking out" with excessive levels quite often at home, but it seems as if at this show everyone was continuously listening to excessive levels. Just to be able to hear anything. At least, that seems to be the case on the open-style headphones. I think the sheer quantity of noise in the main space encourages the volume control to go to places it normally doesn't go. Yes I grinned a lot. And I didn't have a headache at any time this weekend. I'm enjoying excessive levels right now (Kate Bush) but normal service will resume shortly. Putting my IEMs at their normal volume setting for my journey home was a real shock: the music barely audible and seemingly a mere shadow of the aural delights of the Ether Flows I'd just been listening to...

The Patti Smith live version of Horses was originally issued as disc two of the 30th anniversary legacy edition of Horses in 2005. It was recoded June 25th 2005 at The Royal Festival Hall, London. It doesn't appear to be available on CD on Amazon UK as far as I can see, however you can download it from Qobuz for £11.59 in 16 bit CD quality. You'll need to download their 7-zip app to open it at the same time you download it, unless you already have something similar to open these files.

 

[bmichels]

guess what it is....
 

 
 
The BHSE from CanJam brought to his new home .  I will unpack it later because now I have to fly to VERONE for 2 Opera listening

 

[ThELiZ]

My first Head-Fi meet and it was certainly worth it. So much to listen to! You can get a bit lost wandering around, hoping to jump in on a free spot for a pair of cans you've only seen in pictures. It was like musical chairs at times.
 
I'll start off by saying something that I'm sure will get a slating. I cannot hear differences between different DACs. Okay, so this wasn't the best environment for listening for possible subtle differences in DACs, but still, I couldn't tell the differences between any of them reliably. That actually makes me quite happy. I can stick with my DacMagic 100. FYI, I blind tested the DacMagic against my old Mojo (level matched)... Sold the Mojo on. Sounded the same to me. So, there will be no DAC impressions from me.
 
Anyway, some impressions...
 
Ether Flow - Started off by being a bit too grating in the treble for me and I was a bit disappointed. I then switched tracks and realised it was the recording that caused the slight grating. Simply put, these cans are incredible! Vocals were smooth and lifelike. Ariana Grande was seducing my ears. Right up there with the Stax SR-009, if not quite as clear. So much space around all of the music. Instruments were separated to the point that I could pin point where everything was. Magical. Bass was perfect for me. Hearing that the original Ethers were bass light, I was expecting something similar here. No chance. bass was deep, powerful, but always controlled.
 
Also, I was mightily impressed with the speed of these things when it came to metal. Okay, so they wouldn't be my first choice for metal due to the possibility of being too detailed thus rendering the majority of metal music as a bit treble hot, but the speed with which these things went along was mightily impressive. Overall, these were possibly my favourite cans of the show. I just wish the UK price was lower. Might pick up a pair next time I'm in the States. Certainly won't be buying them at their current UK price.
 
Ether Flow Closed - First cans I listened to at the show. Right away I was impressed with these. Genuinely the most open sound from a closed pair I've ever heard. These are neutral and detailed, but non fatiguing. I still don't like the feeling of wearing a pair of closed cans. Something to do with the sound pressure in my ears. It feels unnatural to me.
 
Bass performance, to me, wasn't as tight as the Ether Flow. The closed had a tendency to sound a bit loose and a tad boomy. I really must state that this is relative and compared to the Ether Flow. The Ether Flow Closed had the best bass performance of any closed can I had heard that day. By far and away the most neutral of all the closed cans. If I had never heard the Ether Flow open I would not have even commented on this aspect of the bass performance. I simply wouldn't have known. It's just that the Ether Flow is open and has an advantage. Simply put, if you need a closed can that is the one to rule them all, it's this one. But, if you can get away with an open can, the Ether Flow is the better choice, in my opinion.
 
Focal Elear - Okay, so this was the headphone I was most excited to listen to. This was the one I was going to drop some coin on and purchase blind. Well, I'm glad I listened to it, because it's true what they say. Don't buy anything blind! To start with, Focal's stand had the worst selection of music going. I couldn't form an opinion on the sound because the music just wasn't what I would listen to. Luckily, Moon-Audio had these cans (and just about every other flagship!) hooked up to Tidal.
 
This really is of the same mould as the HD650. Bass goes lower, highs extend further and are more detailed. Mids are similar. Now, in my opinion, this doesn't make them a 'game changer', as I've seen stated. Sure, they are good, but they are not that much better than the HD650s. Bass actually sounded a bit too full on some parts. To be quite honest, these headphones were a bit boring for me. They didn't wow me in any particular way. If anything, they got a bit irritating. At certain times, some parts of the music seemed too much. The volume seemed to be a bit boosted in certain areas. Mainly lows and highs. It's hard to explain.
 
Highlights that we all hear things differently. These weren't for me. And to be honest, for the price difference between these and the HD650s (2nd hand), the Focal Elear is not the bargain they've been touted to be. Yes, they are better than the HD650, but certainly not a bargain. Look very nice though!
 
Focal Utopia - Really not for me. Didn't like these at all. Seemed too bright and emotionless. Can't really say much more than this. Possibly needed more time and a quiet environment. But to me, if you've got that kind of coin, get the Stax SR-009! Thinking about it, it's not really fair to slate them like this. Conditions were not ideal and I didn't give them enough time. That said, first impressions are important to me. I'd say the Ether Flow is a much better headphone, for my tastes at least.
 
Sennheiser HD800S - Love the way these feel on my head. So airy and really wide soundstage. I like the effect. Out of all the headphones I tried on, these ones were the only pair that didn't make you overly aware you had headphones on. Sound was enjoyable. Smooth and detailed. Possibly still a bit too emotionless and lacking in musicality for me, but much better than the original HD800. I could easily live with these.
 
Classical music was a joy. The wide soundstage really helps paint the orchestra in front of you and all around. Highs were smooth and the bass was there when needed. The comparisons against the original HD800 seem to be correct. I can see how some might prefer the more analytical sound of the original for classical. To me, the HD800S is a much better all rounder. With that said though, I feel like the Ether Flow is a much better headphone all round, especially at their US price points. For us in the UK, it gets a bit trickier. Personally, for my taste in music, I'd save the extra money and go for the Ether Flows. If classical is more your bag, the HD800S would be the better choice.
 
Sennheiser HD650 + Apogee Groove - This combo works really well. But, it's still an HD650. It doesn't bring anything new to the table. I prefer my Woox pair of Fidelio X2 to these.
 
Beyerdynamic T90 - Way too bright and unnatural. Didn't like these at all. Nothing going on in the mids. Move along...
 
Beyerdynamic T1 v2 - When I first put them on I expected to hear something similar to the original T1. I was a bit shocked. These definitely tame the, at times, hot treble of the original T1. I'm not sure what I think about these. A really nice sounding headphone. Soundstage was wide. Detail was there. Bass perhaps sounded a bit odd to me, but definitely more of it than the original. I think I needed more time with them, but I can fairly confidently say that with a good tube amp and the 2nd hand deals available, I'd go for the original. If you don't have/want a tube amp, the 2nd generation are a good choice.
 
Beyerdynamic DT1990 - These will be my new cans. I really enjoyed these. For the price they are asking, they've nailed it. The previous comments I've read about these being like a half way house between the original T1 and the T1 v2 are pretty accurate. Beyer seemed to have added some mid presence with these, something I haven't really heard in their other headphones. Vocals were smooth, if a bit forward. Bass was deep and punchy, but never boomy or loose. Detail levels were just the right balance for me. Not too peaky, not too low. Compared with the T1 v2, the DT1990 were more forward sounding, but not in a bad way. Just a different flavour. Both headphones are great, just depends what you prefer. For me, I prefer the DT1990. Beyerdynamic have really got this one right. Also, they were driven pretty well out of my iPhone.
 
Stax SR-009 - Well, now I know what the fuss is all about. Simply put, these were astounding. You could hear everything. I've heard various people saying these are bass shy. Well, they certainly weren't out of the Blue Hawaii amplifier. Bass was just right. Extended and never boomy or loose. Just not possible. Now, the mids and treble are definitely the show stoppers. I've never heard anything quite like it. Just perfect. Now, if only I had the money!
 
Smyth Realiser A16 - Easily the most impressive experience at the show. I was genuinely shocked at what these guys were able to do. The recreation of 3D sound (Dolby Atmos in this case) was spellbinding. I could not tell the difference between the speaker system and the headphones. It's like magic! If you are into cinema, these are a must. I could never get away with having a Dolby Atmos speaker setup in the house. With the Realiser A16, I don't need to worry. This thing did such a great job of convincing me I was listening to 12 speaker setup system, that I will never ever need 12 speakers in my house. I just need this! Seriously, the one time that the phrase 'game changer' is warranted, is for this thing. All other 'game changers' pale in comparison and are just different flavours of existing technology. This is innovation.
 
To sum it all up... If you've got the money, the Ether Flow is the best bang for buck headphone out there. If you have the money and don't care about bang for buck, get the Stax SR-009. If you are more budget orientated, try out the Beyer DT1990. All in my worthless opinion.

 

[smial1966]

 
Surely someone must have listened to this RME ADI-2 PRO? 
Potentially it looks like a really great DAC/amp with EQing and loads of other features.  
Even a precursory audition and comment from a CanJam attendee would be great. 

 

[Hawaiibadboy]

Kept returning to the audio-opus stall. Opus #11 with my Ciems is now my main rig. Amazed the Opus could be that good. Was originally planning on walking out with the QP1R.

Other than that - the FLC celeste prototype was also a keeper....well, when they release it

Edit: Also the etymotic 4xr will be replacing my aging HF5

 

 
It's gonna be a lot of folks favorite portable AMP/DAC option ..ANDROID users no doubt.
Love the heck outta mine.

 

[Duncan]

Surely someone must have listened to this RME ADI-2 PRO? 
Potentially it looks like a really great DAC/amp with EQing and loads of other features.  
Even a precursory audition and comment from a CanJam attendee would be great. 

The nearest I got was to say that it looked great, but this was at 1700hrs yesterday, so didn't get to listen...

Having just looked at the price tag, kind of glad I didn't listen - there is no way my wallet could sustain that, no matter how good it may be (which I'm sure would be excellent!)

 

[smial1966]

@duncan!
 
I haven't seen a price quoted anywhere yet, so please share your source. Thanks. 

 
Quote:

The nearest I got was to say that it looked great, but this was at 1700hrs yesterday, so didn't get to listen...

Having just looked at the price tag, kind of glad I didn't listen - there is no way my wallet could sustain that, no matter how good it may be (which I'm sure would be excellent!)

 

[Duncan]

Just a google search - should a fellow mod, or the manufacturer deem this wrong or incorrect, feel free to delete...

As normal, no affiliation with vendor - purely a google search...

 

[extenso]

 

 
 

Just a google search - should a fellow mod, or the manufacturer deem this wrong or incorrect, feel free to delete...

As normal, no affiliation with vendor - purely a google search...

What!? In Norway it is announced at NOK 13.995, approx. £1,300. Something weird going on here.
https://www.prolyd.no/avdelinger/produsent/rme/rme-adi-2-pro-ad-da-konverter-ad-da-usb-20-dac-2-hp-110692-p0000021335

 

[smial1966]

Thanks. I googled yesterday and nothing came up. Holy moley, that's phenomenally expensive. 

 
Quote:

Just a google search - should a fellow mod, or the manufacturer deem this wrong or incorrect, feel free to delete...

As normal, no affiliation with vendor - purely a google search...

 

[smial1966]

I have emailed the UK distributor for price clarification and availability. 
 
UK pricing is likely to be £1,375 inc VAT with availability in September.